FBI sharpens scrutiny of Syrians in U.S.

NEW YORK TIMES

August 31, 2013

The FBI has increased its surveillance of Syrians inside the United States in response to concerns that a military strike against the government of President Bashar Assad could lead to terrorist attacks here or against U.S. allies and interests abroad, according to current and former senior U.S. officials.

The government has also taken the unusual step of warning federal agencies and private companies that U.S. military action in Syria could spur cyberattacks, the officials said. There were no such alerts before previous military operations.

The authorities are particularly concerned because Iran - one of Assad's closest allies - has said there will be reprisals against Israel if the United States attacks Syria. The Iranians have also shown a willingness to sponsor terrorist attacks on American targets, according to the officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss a continuing operation.

Senior national security officials at FBI headquarters in Washington have told the bureau's field offices in recent days to follow up with sources who have ties to Syrians in an attempt to find talk or evidence of a retaliatory strike, the officials said. And Syrians implicated in continuing investigations will be put under even closer scrutiny, the officials said.

The Department of Homeland Security and the FBI have also sent out a classified bulletin alerting federal, state and local law enforcement officials of potential threats created by the Syria conflict, the officials said.

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